Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League

NC Healthy Communities
WWW.BREDL.ORG
Land application of sewage sludge:
Land application of sewage sludge:
Risks and recommendations
Risks and recommendations
- - 1988 1988 - -
Ocean dumping of sewage sludge banned. Ocean dumping of sewage sludge banned.
1991 WEF Name Change Task Force 1991 WEF Name Change Task Force
Over 250 entrees Over 250 entrees: :
All growth," "purenutri," "biolife," "bioslurp," "black All growth," "purenutri," "biolife," "bioslurp," "black
gold," "geoslime," "sca gold," "geoslime," "sca- -doo," "the end product," doo," "the end product,"
"humanure," "hu "humanure," "hu- -doo," "organic residuals," doo," "organic residuals,"
"bioresidue," "urban biomass," "powergro," "organite," "bioresidue," "urban biomass," "powergro," "organite,"
"recyclite," "nutri "recyclite," "nutri- -cake" and "ROSE," short for "recycling cake" and "ROSE," short for "recycling
of solids environmentally. of solids environmentally.
The winning name:
The winning name:
BIOSOLIDS!
BIOSOLIDS!
Orange: 19,319,988 gal on 1817.76-acres
Chatham: 19,982,500 gal on 1151.33-acres
Alamance: 19,789,200 gal on 969.20-acres
Union County: Over 11,000-acres permitted for sludge
*DWQ 2007 data based on av. 20,000 gal per acre = 20,000,000 gal. per yr.
What is sludge? What is sludge?
Residual, semi Residual, semi- -solid material left from industrial solid material left from industrial
wastewater or sewage treatment processes. wastewater or sewage treatment processes.
Anything that is dumped into a sewer that is Anything that is dumped into a sewer that is
removed from water by the treatment process removed from water by the treatment process
becomes sludge. becomes sludge.
Includes landfill leachate and runoff from farmlands, Includes landfill leachate and runoff from farmlands,
industry and development. industry and development.
Pretty much anything that humans living and Pretty much anything that humans living and
working in a town or city flush down their toilets or working in a town or city flush down their toilets or
pour down their drains. pour down their drains.
Inevitably a noxious brew of vastly various and Inevitably a noxious brew of vastly various and
incompatible materials unpredictable incompatible materials unpredictable
in themselves and in the toxicity of their in themselves and in the toxicity of their
amalgamation, incalculably but certainly amalgamation, incalculably but certainly
wildly dangerous to life. wildly dangerous to life.
Growing and continuous mountain of hazardous waste Growing and continuous mountain of hazardous waste
produced daily by wastewater treatment plants. produced daily by wastewater treatment plants.
In 2003, a coalition of 73 labor, environment, and farm groups formally petitioned EPA for a
moratorium on the land application of sewage sludge. Signatories include the United Mine
Workers of America, Clean Water Action, the Organic Consumers Association, the Center for
Food Safety, Farm Aid, and Citizens for a Future New Hampshire.
The National Farmers Union opposes sludge spreading on agricultural land
National organic standards prohibit use of sludge in organically-grown food
products
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP): Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP): Smart Guide on Sludge Use in Food Smart Guide on Sludge Use in Food
Production Production (2008) (2008)
At least 8 major food companies prohibit purchase of produc At least 8 major food companies prohibit purchase of produce grown on land e grown on land
fertilized fertilized with sludge because of potential liabilities. with sludge because of potential liabilities.
Growing opposition.
Naturally Superior Naturally Superior
Safe, nutrient Safe, nutrient- -rich organic material rich organic material
Maintains land Maintains land s long s long- -term productivity term productivity
Rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, and contains micronutrients suc Rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, and contains micronutrients such as sulfur, h as sulfur,
magnesium, calcium, copper, zinc, and some potassium. magnesium, calcium, copper, zinc, and some potassium.
Almost half of all biosolids produced are being recycled, and ev Almost half of all biosolids produced are being recycled, and everyone knows that eryone knows that
recycling benefits the environment. recycling benefits the environment.
Pretreatment requires that industrial plants treat or remove any Pretreatment requires that industrial plants treat or remove any contaminants from contaminants from
their wastewater before it is discharged to a WWTP. their wastewater before it is discharged to a WWTP.
Specifically Specifically- -mandated treatments minimize any potential odors. mandated treatments minimize any potential odors.
Biosolids must meet strict quality criteria and regulations set Biosolids must meet strict quality criteria and regulations set by the USEPA ... by the USEPA ...
based on EPA based on EPA s rigorous review of decades of long s rigorous review of decades of long- -term scientific studies term scientific studies
regarding the safety and efficacy of biosolids recycling. regarding the safety and efficacy of biosolids recycling.
Treatment and testing consists of:
Treatment and testing consists of:
Lime stabilization and aerobic digestion to Lime stabilization and aerobic digestion to disinfect disinfect sludge sludge
by reducing organic matter, pathogen content, offensive by reducing organic matter, pathogen content, offensive
odors odors
Testing required for Testing required for 9 metals, nutrients, total coliform 9 metals, nutrients, total coliform
once per week or less depending on volumes produced once per week or less depending on volumes produced
Other methods of getting rid of sludge: incineration, Other methods of getting rid of sludge: incineration,
land filling, pelletizing, composting using land filling, pelletizing, composting using Class A Class A sludge sludge
Testing of soils that receive sludge done once per year Testing of soils that receive sludge done once per year
Shipped to and spread on farmers Shipped to and spread on farmers fields fields free of charge. free of charge.
Win Win- -win situation. win situation.
WWTP WWTPs do not test s do not test
or remove: or remove:
Unregulated chemicals Unregulated chemicals
Emerging chemicals Emerging chemicals
Specific pathogens (MRSA, swine flu, H1N1 viruses, Specific pathogens (MRSA, swine flu, H1N1 viruses,
Tamiflu vaccine, hepatitis A, Herpes virus, Poliovirus, Tamiflu vaccine, hepatitis A, Herpes virus, Poliovirus,
Necrotizing bacteria) Necrotizing bacteria)
Prescription pharmaceutical drugs, illegal drugs Prescription pharmaceutical drugs, illegal drugs
Hormones Hormones
Steroids Steroids
Endocrine disrupting chemicals Endocrine disrupting chemicals
Flame retardants Flame retardants
Radioactive substances Radioactive substances
Toxic metals Toxic metals
Polychlorinated biphenyls Polychlorinated biphenyls
Dioxins Dioxins
Polymers used to solidify sludge Polymers used to solidify sludge
PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons)
Prions Prions
Nanoparticles Nanoparticles
Unknown chemicals Unknown chemicals
1976 Toxic Substances Control Act requires manufacturers to repo 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act requires manufacturers to report to the rt to the
federal government new chemicals they intend to market. But the federal government new chemicals they intend to market. But the law law
exempts from public disclosure any information that could harm t exempts from public disclosure any information that could harm their heir
bottom line. bottom line.
Estimated 84,000 chemicals in commercial use. Estimated 84,000 chemicals in commercial use.
Approx 700 new chemicals introduced into hands of consumers Approx 700 new chemicals introduced into hands of consumers
each year. each year.
20% of chemical ingredients protected as trade secrets. 20% of chemical ingredients protected as trade secrets.
In March, 2010, more than half of the 65 "substantial risk" repo In March, 2010, more than half of the 65 "substantial risk" reports filed rts filed
with the Environmental Protection Agency involved secret chemica with the Environmental Protection Agency involved secret chemicals. ls.
... makes it ... makes it impossible for regulators to control potential dangers or for co impossible for regulators to control potential dangers or for consumers to know nsumers to know
which toxic substances they might be exposed to. which toxic substances they might be exposed to.
- - Obama Administration Obama Administration
The Federal Clean Water Act defines sewage sludge as a pollutant
[33USC 1462 (6)].
Part 503.9(t) Pollutant is an organic substance, an inorganic substance, a
combination of organic and organic substances, or a pathogenic organism that,
after discharge and upon exposure, ingestion, inhalation, or assimilation into an
organism either directly from the environment or indirectly by ingestion through
the food chain, could, on the basis of information available to the Administrator
of EPA, cause death, disease, behavioral abnormalities, cancer, genetic
mutations, physiological malfunctions (including malfunction in
reproduction), or physical deformations in either organisms (humans)
or offspring (children) of the organisms.
(2008). EPA (2008). EPA s s Targeted National Sewage Sludge Survey Targeted National Sewage Sludge Survey
(TNSSS) sampled 74 selected waste water treatment (TNSSS) sampled 74 selected waste water treatment
plants in 35 states during 2006 to 2007. plants in 35 states during 2006 to 2007.
High concentrations of toxic contaminants with High concentrations of toxic contaminants with
heavy metals, steroids and pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, steroids and pharmaceuticals,
including the antibacterials, triclocarban and including the antibacterials, triclocarban and
triclosan. triclosan. Despite the prevalence of these toxic Despite the prevalence of these toxic
chemicals in the environment and their potential adverse chemicals in the environment and their potential adverse
impacts to human health and the environment, EPA impacts to human health and the environment, EPA
maintains that it is not appropriate to speculate on the maintains that it is not appropriate to speculate on the
significance of the results at this time. significance of the results at this time.
Under the Clean Water Act (CWA), Section 405(d) stipulates that Under the Clean Water Act (CWA), Section 405(d) stipulates that EPA must EPA must
identify and regulate toxic pollutants that may be present in bi identify and regulate toxic pollutants that may be present in biosolids osolids
(sewage sludge) at levels of concern for public health and the (sewage sludge) at levels of concern for public health and the
environment. environment.
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/biosolids/tnsss http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/biosolids/tnsss- -tech.pdf tech.pdf
Johns Hopkins studies Johns Hopkins studies (Rolf U. Halden et (Rolf U. Halden et
al) al) conclude that conclude that 50 percent of triclosan 50 percent of triclosan
and 76 percent of triclocarban remain and 76 percent of triclocarban remain
unchanged by aerobic and anaerobic unchanged by aerobic and anaerobic
digestion digestion in a typical WWTP. Both in a typical WWTP. Both
accumulate in sludge. Estimate that more accumulate in sludge. Estimate that more
than 100,000 lbs. of triclosan and 300,000 than 100,000 lbs. of triclosan and 300,000
lbs. of triclocarban are spread on lbs. of triclocarban are spread on
farmlands each year. farmlands each year.
Heidler, Sapkota, Halden. Partitioning, Persistence, and Accumul Heidler, Sapkota, Halden. Partitioning, Persistence, and Accumulation in Digested Sludge of the ation in Digested Sludge of the
Topical Antiseptic Triclocarban during Wastewater Treatment. Env Topical Antiseptic Triclocarban during Wastewater Treatment. Environ. Sci. Technol., 2006, 40 iron. Sci. Technol., 2006, 40
(11), pp 3634 (11), pp 3634 3639 3639
(2006).
(2006).
Eastern Washington University
Eastern Washington University
study found
study found
dozens of medicinal,
dozens of medicinal,
industrial and household compounds
industrial and household compounds
in treated sewage sludge
in treated sewage sludge
, also known
, also known
as biosolids, that government agencies sell
as biosolids, that government agencies sell
as lawn
as lawn
-
-
and
and
-
-
garden enhancements.
garden enhancements.
"I don't think people understood before this that they might be "I don't think people understood before this that they might be applying pharmaceuticals and applying pharmaceuticals and
disinfectants to their front lawns. disinfectants to their front lawns.
- - Thomas Burke, Professor of Public Health Policy, Johns Hopkins Thomas Burke, Professor of Public Health Policy, Johns Hopkins University University
What proof do we have that
What proof do we have that
sludge is dangerous?
sludge is dangerous?
On Nov. 9, 1998, Mc On Nov. 9, 1998, McElmurray & Sons, Inc., and Boyceland Dairy
Farms, filed separate lawsuits against the City of Augusta in the U.S.
District Court in the Southern District of Georgia, after the deaths after the deaths
of hundreds of dairy cattle and loss of hundreds of acres of of hundreds of dairy cattle and loss of hundreds of acres of
productive farmland as a result of elevated levels of productive farmland as a result of elevated levels of
thallium, arsenic, chromium, PCBS, and molybdenum found thallium, arsenic, chromium, PCBS, and molybdenum found
in sewage sludge used as a fertilizer in 1998 in sewage sludge used as a fertilizer in 1998. Cadmium and . Cadmium and
molybdenum were recorded at 37 molybdenum were recorded at 37- -1,400% higher than permitted 1,400% higher than permitted
levels. levels.
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_10789.cfm http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_10789.cfm
Milwaukee, WI. (2007). City spent over $4 Milwaukee, WI. (2007). City spent over $4
million to scrape tons of Class A sewage sludge million to scrape tons of Class A sewage sludge
Milorganite Milorganite off 30 public parks and off 30 public parks and
playgrounds because it was contaminated with playgrounds because it was contaminated with
PCBs (polychloride biphenyl ethers). PCBs (polychloride biphenyl ethers). Some PCB Some PCB
levels in the sludge exceeded EPA levels in the sludge exceeded EPA
superfund limits. superfund limits. Three more incidents of PCB Three more incidents of PCB
contamination followed. contamination followed.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/29278419.html http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/29278419.html
Raleigh, NC (2008). The City of Raleigh Raleigh, NC (2008). The City of Raleigh spent $15 spent $15
million to extend municipal water lines to million to extend municipal water lines to
residences with nitrate contamination to 16 residences with nitrate contamination to 16
private drinking water wells as a result of over private drinking water wells as a result of over- -
application of sewage sludge by the city. application of sewage sludge by the city. Sludge Sludge
runoff polluted the Neuse River, a drinking water runoff polluted the Neuse River, a drinking water
resource for communities downstream of Raleigh. resource for communities downstream of Raleigh.
http://www.newhillca.org/wwdocs/RaleighWantsCleanupWaiver.pdf http://www.newhillca.org/wwdocs/RaleighWantsCleanupWaiver.pdf
Lawrence County, Al. (2009) Farmers filed a class action Lawrence County, Al. (2009) Farmers filed a class action
lawsuit against Synagro, and local industries which lawsuit against Synagro, and local industries which
discharged toxic, carcinogenic PFOAs and PFOS discharged toxic, carcinogenic PFOAs and PFOS
(*perfluorinated chemicals, used in manufacturing Teflon (*perfluorinated chemicals, used in manufacturing Teflon
products) into the sewers, resulting in products) into the sewers, resulting in contamination contamination
of 5,000 acres of private drinking water wells, of 5,000 acres of private drinking water wells,
farmland, and livestock. farmland, and livestock. PFOAs and PFOs are PFOAs and PFOs are
carcinogenic to animals, and have been linked with birth carcinogenic to animals, and have been linked with birth
defects, cancer, immune dysfunction, and liver damage. defects, cancer, immune dysfunction, and liver damage.
Synagro stated it did not test the sludge from Decatur Synagro stated it did not test the sludge from Decatur
Utilities for PFOAs because it did not know the sludge Utilities for PFOAs because it did not know the sludge
contained the compounds. contained the compounds.
http://www2.fluoridealert.org/Pollution/Perfluorinated http://www2.fluoridealert.org/Pollution/Perfluorinated- -chemicals/Alabama chemicals/Alabama- -PFOA PFOA- -contaminated contaminated- -
sludge sludge- -spread spread- -in in- -Lawrence Lawrence- -County County
Dalton, GA. (2009). Spreading of Dalton, GA. (2009). Spreading of biosolids biosolids from the from the
sewer plant in Dalton, Georgia, was halted when sewer plant in Dalton, Georgia, was halted when
high levels of PFOAs and PFOs were found in the high levels of PFOAs and PFOs were found in the
sludge, sludge, which which had been composted and sold to
businesses and individuals in the Dalton area since 2003.
Dalton Utilities estimated that 80 million pounds of the
compost were sold and distributed. The Georgia The Georgia
Environmental Protection Division found the chemicals in Environmental Protection Division found the chemicals in
soil, groundwater, and surface waters, including the soil, groundwater, and surface waters, including the
Conasauga River and Holly Creek. Chemicals also found Conasauga River and Holly Creek. Chemicals also found
in bass and catfish. Impact studies in bass and catfish. Impact studies (including blood and
tissue analyses) on deer and turkey are being planned to
determine potential impacts of PFOA and PFOS on the
local wildlife population.
*Note: EPA national drinking water PHAs for perfluorooctanaoic acid (PFOA) = 0.4 ppm micrograms per liter and PFOs = 0.2 ppb. PFOA values ranged
from 1,900 to 4,500 ppb and PFO values ranging from 210 to 2,500 ppb. The one sample of fresh sewage sludge had a concentration of PFOA of 91
ppb and PFOS of 210 ppb.
http://www.epa.gov/region4/water/documents/doc_h_pfc_statement_daltonga.pdf
St. Joseph, MO. (2009). At least two dozen northwest St. Joseph, MO. (2009). At least two dozen northwest
Missouri landowners filed a lawsuit against the former Missouri landowners filed a lawsuit against the former
and current owners of a tannery, the chromium and current owners of a tannery, the chromium
manufacturer, and engineering firm that designed sludge manufacturer, and engineering firm that designed sludge
system that provided system that provided chromium chromium- -tainted sludge for tainted sludge for
use as a fertilizer on farms. use as a fertilizer on farms. Several other lawsuits Several other lawsuits
filed alleging the hexavalent chromium (chrom 6) found filed alleging the hexavalent chromium (chrom 6) found
in the sludge caused a cluster of brain tumors. in the sludge caused a cluster of brain tumors.
http://www.hpj.com/archives/2009/dec09/dec28/1221MOfarmlanddamag http://www.hpj.com/archives/2009/dec09/dec28/1221MOfarmlanddamagedslu edslu
dge.cfm dge.cfm
Deaths attributed to sludge spreading, sewage Deaths attributed to sludge spreading, sewage
(1991) (1991) Shayne Connor Shayne Connor, 22, , 22, of Greenfield, NH came home from college for Thanksgiving. of Greenfield, NH came home from college for Thanksgiving.
Sludge had been spread near his home during week. Sludge had been spread near his home during week. Shayne always slept with the windows Shayne always slept with the windows
open. open. Thanksgiving night, his mother heard him call for help and foun Thanksgiving night, his mother heard him call for help and found him having difficulty d him having difficulty
breathing with a high temperature. Hospitalized, and died within breathing with a high temperature. Hospitalized, and died within 24 hours with a diagnosis of 24 hours with a diagnosis of
community pneumonia. community pneumonia. Family members also complained of illnesses they attributed to s Family members also complained of illnesses they attributed to sludge. ludge.
Twenty four persons in neighborhood complained of respiratory pr Twenty four persons in neighborhood complained of respiratory problems. oblems. Out Out- -of of- -court court
settlement with gag order placed on Connor family by Synagro. settlement with gag order placed on Connor family by Synagro.
(1994) (1994) Tony Behun Tony Behun, , 11, of Osceola Mills, PA, rode his dirt bike over a freshly slud 11, of Osceola Mills, PA, rode his dirt bike over a freshly sludge applied ge applied
field. According to testimony, there were no signs or notices to field. According to testimony, there were no signs or notices to restrict access. restrict access. He became ill He became ill
during the night and died of Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia wit during the night and died of Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia within three days. hin three days. The diagnosis The diagnosis
and cause of death was listed as and cause of death was listed as viral and S. aureus pneumonia. viral and S. aureus pneumonia.
(1995) (1995) Danny Pennock Danny Pennock, 17, of Berks County, PA died within two weeks after riding ATV , 17, of Berks County, PA died within two weeks after riding ATV over a over a
sludged farm field and then sludged farm field and then playing basketball outside (alone) playing basketball outside (alone) near a sludge applied field. near a sludge applied field. Same Same
night developed a night developed a sudden onset high fever and respiratory distress. sudden onset high fever and respiratory distress. Placed in ICU to assist Placed in ICU to assist
breathing; went into a coma overnight. breathing; went into a coma overnight. MRI showed holes forming in his lungs. MRI showed holes forming in his lungs. Diagnosis and Diagnosis and
cause of death, pneumonia, probable S. aureus. cause of death, pneumonia, probable S. aureus.
Seth Jones Seth Jones, 26, , 26, of Erwin, of Erwin, TN is terminally ill and a resident of hospice. TN is terminally ill and a resident of hospice. Worked spreading muni Worked spreading muni
sludge for a farmer. He became suddenly ill sludge for a farmer. He became suddenly ill with difficulty breathing and with difficulty breathing and hospitalized for hospitalized for
pneumonia. pneumonia. Developed tumors and abscesses in his lungs, liver and kidneys. Developed tumors and abscesses in his lungs, liver and kidneys. A biopsy of A biopsy of
both both lower lobes of his lung lower lobes of his lung showed via DNA the same bacteria present in the sewage sludge. showed via DNA the same bacteria present in the sewage sludge.
A Copperbasin, TN, woman, A Copperbasin, TN, woman, age 26, was white water rafting in the Ocoee River the day afte age 26, was white water rafting in the Ocoee River the day after r
raw sewage was discharged illegally into the river. raw sewage was discharged illegally into the river. She developed sudden onset atypical She developed sudden onset atypical
pneumonia and died three days later in the hospital. pneumonia and died three days later in the hospital. No autopsy was conducted, no investigation No autopsy was conducted, no investigation
done because the discharge was not reported for over a month. done because the discharge was not reported for over a month.
In Cadiz, Ohio In Cadiz, Ohio a 30 year a 30 year- -old man went hunting and crossed sludge old man went hunting and crossed sludge- -applied fields near his applied fields near his
home. home. He developed sudden onset flu He developed sudden onset flu- -like symptoms and pneumonia. like symptoms and pneumonia. He was hospitalized, and He was hospitalized, and
now is unable to work because of severe joint pains. His mother now is unable to work because of severe joint pains. His mother and father both have and father both have severe and severe and
newly diagnosed respiratory problems they attribute to sludge in newly diagnosed respiratory problems they attribute to sludge in field next to house. field next to house.
Harford County, MD. (2008) A 51 Harford County, MD. (2008) A 51- -yr.old woman, Lin Eyer, rode her yr.old woman, Lin Eyer, rode her
horse through a field of freshly spread sewage sludge in the horse through a field of freshly spread sewage sludge in the
Susquehanna State Park and Susquehanna State Park and one week later became ill with an one week later became ill with an
infection which physicians could not identify. infection which physicians could not identify. A dentist A dentist
removed all of her teeth in an attempt to stop the infection. removed all of her teeth in an attempt to stop the infection. Bills Bills
introduced in the Maryland General Assembly to ban companies introduced in the Maryland General Assembly to ban companies
from leasing parkland to spread sludge. Efforts by residents to from leasing parkland to spread sludge. Efforts by residents to stop stop
the sludge spreading by Texas the sludge spreading by Texas- -based Synagro were finally based Synagro were finally
successful. successful.
http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:fFZfIwlPrm4J:www.sludgevicti http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:fFZfIwlPrm4J:www.sludgevictims.com/pdf_files/MARYLAND ms.com/pdf_files/MARYLAND- -SUSQUEHANNASTATEPARK SUSQUEHANNASTATEPARK- -
VICTIMONHORSE.doc+Lin+Eyer,+sludge+spreading,+MD&cd=1&hl=en&ct=c VICTIMONHORSE.doc+Lin+Eyer,+sludge+spreading,+MD&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us lnk&gl=us
A University of Toledo study (2007) of A University of Toledo study (2007) of residents living in Wood
County, OH, near farm fields permitted to receive sludge found ... found ...
... increased risks for certain respiratory, gastrointestina ... increased risks for certain respiratory, gastrointestinal, l,
and other diseases among residents and other diseases among residents. .
Khuder et al, Health Survey of Residents Living Near Farm Fields Khuder et al, Health Survey of Residents Living Near Farm Fields Permitted to Receive Biosolids, Archives of Permitted to Receive Biosolids, Archives of
Environmental & Occupational Health, Vol. 62, No. 1, 2007. Environmental & Occupational Health, Vol. 62, No. 1, 2007.
Uptake by animals ... Uptake by animals ...
A recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota has foun A recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota has found that vegetables such as corn, d that vegetables such as corn,
potatoes and lettuce absorb antibiotics when grown in soil ferti potatoes and lettuce absorb antibiotics when grown in soil fertilized with livestock manure. lized with livestock manure.
Livestock and dairy animals ingest large quantities of soil when grazing and consequently, sludge
contaminants, which can ultimately end up in the food produced from these animals.
Food animals may ingest contaminated soil attached to harvested animal feed crops.
Many chemical contaminants (including dioxins, PCBs, pesticides and some flame retardants), and
a few heavy metals (such as cadmium) found in sludge tend to bio-accumulate in fat tissue and
milk fat.
IATP Smart Food Guide on Sludge Use in Food Production: IATP Smart Food Guide on Sludge Use in Food Production: http://www.iatp.org/foodandhealth/ http://www.iatp.org/foodandhealth/
Uptake by crops ...
Food crops grown on sludge-applied lands can absorb some heavy metals. Heavy metals persist
in soils. Plants can continue to take up heavy metals for decades after sludge is applied.
Cadmium and lead readily taken up from sludge-amended soils by various food crops, including
carrots, potatoes, lettuce, spinach and grains.
Some synthetic chemicals found in sludge may build up in the food chain.
Various food crops absorb dioxin and dioxin-like compounds from contaminated soil, although
cucumbers and related vegetables (e.g. zucchini, pumpkin) take up more dioxins than other
plants, and the uptake is related to the level of contamination.
Carrots take up into the interior (and/or the peel) some solvents (chlorobenzenes), chemicals
from perfumes and scented products (polycyclic musks), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs), a class of chemicals found in dyes and plastics, among other places.
IATP Smart Food Guide on Sludge Use in Food Production: IATP Smart Food Guide on Sludge Use in Food Production: http://www.iatp.org/foodandhealth/ http://www.iatp.org/foodandhealth/
USEPA National Water Program Research USEPA National Water Program Research
Compendium 2009 Compendium 2009- -2014 2014
Concerns about emerging contaminants ...
Because of their known or suspected adverse ecological or human health
effects: endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), pharmaceutical and
personal care products (PPCPs), nanomaterials, fluorinated compounds, and
pathogens various protozoa, bacteria, viruses, and prions
Questions about ....
How antimicrobial resistance in wastewater streams impact treatment
processes
Fate and transport of emerging contaminants in land-applied biosolids,
septage, animal manure
Effects of nanomaterials on POTWs; abilities of nanomaterials to survive
treatment process and appear in products produced from land-applied
biosolids
No tests to assess for emerging pathogens, from viruses to prions, for
example.
The spreading of Class B sewage sludge on farmlands The spreading of Class B sewage sludge on farmlands
should be banned immediately. should be banned immediately.
Dr. Ellen Harrison, Former Director Dr. Ellen Harrison, Former Director
Cornell Waste Management Institute Cornell Waste Management Institute
*Conclusion reached after a 2002 study if 328 symptoms at 39 *Conclusion reached after a 2002 study if 328 symptoms at 39 incidents of sludge spreading in 15 states. incidents of sludge spreading in 15 states.
Our ability to confidently predict risks from land Our ability to confidently predict risks from land
application is very limited; contaminants concentrate application is very limited; contaminants concentrate
in sludge and many are unevaluated; present in sludge and many are unevaluated; present
standards for risk are based on a risk assessment standards for risk are based on a risk assessment
with many short with many short- -comings; enforcement and comings; enforcement and
monitoring are inadequate; if there are problems monitoring are inadequate; if there are problems
they are hard to prove. they are hard to prove.
Dr. Murray McBride, Soil Scientist Dr. Murray McBride, Soil Scientist
Cornell Waste Management Institute Cornell Waste Management Institute
The mission of the NC Department of Agriculture and The mission of the NC Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services is to operate regulatory and service Consumer Services is to operate regulatory and service
programs that ensure the availability of programs that ensure the availability of life life- -sustaining sustaining
food and natural fiber, free of adulteration and food and natural fiber, free of adulteration and
contamination, and produced in a manner consistent contamination, and produced in a manner consistent
with environmentally sound production practices; with environmentally sound production practices;
and to operate programs to benefit consumer and and to operate programs to benefit consumer and
agricultural producers, to protect the environment, agricultural producers, to protect the environment,
health, and economic well health, and economic well- -being being of all North Carolina of all North Carolina
citizens and business enterprises. citizens and business enterprises.
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
HB 1170 HB 1170 - -
Study bill introduced in 2009 NC General Study bill introduced in 2009 NC General
Assembly by Rep Curtis Blackwood Assembly by Rep Curtis Blackwood
AN ACT TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AN ACT TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
AND CONSUMER SERVICES TO STUDY WHETHER THE AND CONSUMER SERVICES TO STUDY WHETHER THE
CURRENT REGULATIONS OF THE LAND APPLICATION OF CURRENT REGULATIONS OF THE LAND APPLICATION OF
SEPTAGE AND SLUDGE ADEQUATELY PROTECT HUMAN SEPTAGE AND SLUDGE ADEQUATELY PROTECT HUMAN
HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT. HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
Work with Soil and
Work with Soil and
Water Conservation Districts to
Water Conservation Districts to
:
:
... identify locations, total volume and source of septage/sludg ... identify locations, total volume and source of septage/sludge e
being spread or land applied and make available to each county; being spread or land applied and make available to each county;
... make information available to county commissioners of each ... make information available to county commissioners of each
county where spreading is taking place; county where spreading is taking place;
... determine fees necessary to establish ... determine fees necessary to establish sufficient testing to be sufficient testing to be
assured that any septage/sludge that is spread is free of assured that any septage/sludge that is spread is free of
pathogens and heavy metals so that neither material spread or pathogens and heavy metals so that neither material spread or
runoff or airborne residue of that material are capa runoff or airborne residue of that material are capable of having ble of having
a cumulative negative health impact on human health, a cumulative negative health impact on human health, the land, the land,
or the flora and fauna; or the flora and fauna;
... work with UNC to identify ... work with UNC to identify cost cost- -effective alternatives to land effective alternatives to land
application as a method of disposal that protect public health application as a method of disposal that protect public health
and protect farmland from the cumulative effects of using and protect farmland from the cumulative effects of using
farmland as a farmland as a waste disposal facility. waste disposal facility.
Recommendations
Recommendations
NCSU/NC Department of Agriculture and NCSU/NC Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services: Consumer Services:
1. 1. Types/amounts of emerging trace organic chemicals (TOCs) Types/amounts of emerging trace organic chemicals (TOCs)
found in Class A and B sludges. found in Class A and B sludges.
2. 2. Impact of TOCs in Class A and Class B sewage sludge on Impact of TOCs in Class A and Class B sewage sludge on
farmland sustainability (soil, food crops, domestic animals) and farmland sustainability (soil, food crops, domestic animals) and
surface waters (fish, aquatic life). surface waters (fish, aquatic life).
3. 3. Existing state Existing state- -federal regulations for Class A and Class B sludges federal regulations for Class A and Class B sludges - -
are they protective of human health and the environment? are they protective of human health and the environment?
4. 4. Research SAFE alternatives to land application of sewage sludge. Research SAFE alternatives to land application of sewage sludge.
NC DENR Division of Water Quality
NC DENR Division of Water Quality
1. 1. Full disclosure to farmers and the public re: TOCS and Full disclosure to farmers and the public re: TOCS and
potential risks. potential risks.
2. 2. Disclosure of sludge spreading on property deeds. Disclosure of sludge spreading on property deeds.
3. 3. Require labeling of sludge in compost materials. Require labeling of sludge in compost materials.
4. 4. Test sludge runoff for 9 toxic metals, total coliform, Test sludge runoff for 9 toxic metals, total coliform,
and nutrients AND specific emerging TOCs (endocrine and nutrients AND specific emerging TOCs (endocrine
disrupting chemicals, pharmaceuticals) disrupting chemicals, pharmaceuticals)
3. 3. Increased setbacks for sludge spreading next to Increased setbacks for sludge spreading next to
schools, day care centers, churches, and residences, schools, day care centers, churches, and residences,
with additional measures for sensitive populations with additional measures for sensitive populations
4. 4. Increased setbacks to surface waters Increased setbacks to surface waters
5. 5. Immediately remove all sludge fields located in critical Immediately remove all sludge fields located in critical
watersheds from permits issued before and after 1992. watersheds from permits issued before and after 1992.
On July 13, 2000, the US House Science Committee held a hearing
on the 1999 National Research Council report entitled
"Strengthening Sound Science at the US EPA". The 503s were
singled out as an example of regulation that is being driven by
politics, rather than by sound science.
Agriculture is not a place to Agriculture is not a place to
dump unwanted things; dump unwanted things;
our agricultural soils are unique, our agricultural soils are unique,
we depend on them, we depend on them,
we don we don t create new ones ... t create new ones ...
and when they become and when they become
severely contaminated, severely contaminated,
you have a real problem. you have a real problem.
Ellen Harrison, Director Ellen Harrison, Director
Cornell Waste Management Institute Cornell Waste Management Institute
Interview, Interview, The Sludge Diet, The Sludge Diet, 2008 2008
For information on references regarding statements and studies For information on references regarding statements and studies
referenced in this presentation contact: referenced in this presentation contact:
Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League
NC Healthy Communities NC Healthy Communities
Sue Dayton, Statewide Coordinator Sue Dayton, Statewide Coordinator
(336) 525 (336) 525- -2003 2003
sdayton@swcp.com sdayton@swcp.com
Sludge Victims
Sludge Victims
http://www.sludgevictims.net/
http://www.sludgevictims.net/